August 30, 2022
Right-handed pitcher Pat Gallagher was the Toronto Blue Jays’ 11th round pick (338th overall) out of UConn a month ago.
“It was a fun process,” Gallagher said of the draft. “I was back home. I wasn’t playing summer ball and they were in contact with me throughout the draft. On day three we reached an agreement, and I couldn’t be more excited. It was a very special day for my family and I for sure.”
Gallagher’s draft experience came after he pitched 103 innings for the Huskies in 2022. The righty racked up 110 K’s and maintained a WHIP of 1.22 during his collegiate season.
With such a big workload already in 2022, Gallagher is preparing for the Instructional League this fall before making his professional debut in 2023.
“Right now, it just looks like I’m building up for Instructs,” stated Gallagher. “So, I’ll be doing that, and spring training will come, and I’ll be able to play in games next year.”
Entering pro ball with a four-pitch mix of a 4-seam fastball, a 2-seam fastball, a curveball, and a splitter; will definitely help Gallagher move forward.
The righty really likes his curveball, “I like that I can throw it in any count,” said Gallagher. “I can throw it to put away guys, I can throw it to get ahead in counts and pitch backwards. That’s been really good for me. I’m not afraid to throw it at all.”
His feel for the splitter has improved this year too, “I had a splitter in high school, but I changed the grip a bit when I got to college,” stated Gallagher. “I’ve had the splitter my whole college career, but I didn’t throw it much until this year. I have a good feel for it.”
Welcome Pat!